November 15, 2012

Online gaming might be on agenda next year in Connecticut

Connecticut lawmakers might take up Internet gaming next year but Gov. Dannel P. Malloy (D), who at one point discussed the issue with tribes, isn't excited about it.

Malloy met with the Mohegan Tribe and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal
Nation earlier this year but quickly cooled on the idea.
A spokesperson said Internet gaming is "not something that the governor has any intention of pushing," The Hartford Courant reported.

Meanwhile, Mohegan Chairman Bruce "Two Dogs" Bozsum has been advocating for a bill on the national level. That could eliminate the need for legislation in Connecticut.

Under the tribal-state compact, the Mohegan and Mashantucket tribes have the exclusive right to offer Class III games. In exchange, they share 25 percent of slot machine revenues with the state.

Internet gaming by non-Indian entities could violate the agreement and put revenue sharing to an end.